Borate - Boron in Water

Source of Boron in Water: Boron (B) is a relatively rare element found in the Earth's crust. Various boron compounds are most often found near volcanic spring waters or dry lake and river beds. Boron and its related compounds and by-products may be found in groundwater because of pesticide and fertilizer runoff, sewage spills, and coal production. Borax is a form of boron and is found in many household items including cleaning and laundry solutions.

Symptoms of Boron: Elemental boron in water and borates are non-toxic to humans and animals and is very similar to common table salt. Generally speaking, borates are more toxic to insects than to mammals. Boric acid, a variant of boron, is not limited by EPA drinking water standards, but it can be damaging to citrus crops if it is present in irrigation water and becomes concentrated in the soil. In addition, some studies have shown that unusually high levels of boron or borates can lead to diarrhea or vomiting. Since boron in drinking water is tasteless and invisible, its levels like other contaminants should be tested before trying to treat the water.

Filtering Solutions for Boron: Boron in drinking water behaves like silica. The best options for treatment of boron in drinking water are an anion exchange filter or an activated carbon filter. If you are concerned about the presence of boron and its by-products in your tap water, contact one of our helpful customer service agents at 1-877-335-3339 or click on the "Chat Now" button below.